Product classification
HS code for Glass beads: 7018.10
Glass, beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares.
Classification of glass beads under HS 7018.10
Glass beads are classified under HS code 7018.10. This heading covers a variety of glass smallwares, including beads, imitation pearls, and imitation precious or semi-precious stones. These items are characterized by their small size and their use in decoration, embroidery, or the assembly of imitation jewelry. According to the General Rules of Interpretation and the Chapter 70 notes, heading 7018 is specific to glass articles that are not yet mounted or set. The beads may be loose, or they may be temporarily strung for ease of transport, provided they do not yet constitute finished jewelry. The classification 7018.10 is broad, encompassing beads of various shapes, colors, and finishes, including those that have been cut and mechanically polished, as long as they remain unmounted smallwares.
- Covers
- Loose glass beads for jewelry making
- Imitation pearls made of glass
- Glass seed beads (rocaille)
- Faceted glass beads (imitation gemstones)
- Glass beads temporarily strung for transport
- Also under 7018.10
- Swarovski crystal beads
- Preciosa glass beads
- Murano glass beads
- Czech glass beads
Codes often confused with 7018.10
Common mistake. Glass beads are often misclassified under HS code 7117.19 or 7117.90, which cover finished imitation jewelry. If the beads are permanently strung with a clasp or mounted onto metal settings, they must be classified in Chapter 71. Another common error is using 7002.10 (glass balls). While beads are spherical, 7002 is for unworked industrial glass, whereas 7018 is for decorative smallwares. Finally, glass microspheres (used in reflective road paint) are classified under 7018.20, not 7018.10, based on their size and technical application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701810 (the code used for glass beads), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701810 (the code used for glass beads) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 701810, not only glass beads.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 80% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $91M 6.5% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $29M 2.1% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $119M 14% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$117M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $66M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $849M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for glass beads
Brazil splits HS 7018.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7018.10.10Glass beads
- 7018.10.20Glass imitation pearls and gemstones
- 7018.10.90Other similar glass smallwares
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about glass beads
What is the HS code for Glass beads?
The HS code for Glass beads is 701810 (Glass; beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares). The HS code for glass beads, imitation pearls, and similar glass smallwares is 7018.10.
How do I classify Glass beads for customs?
Glass beads is classified under HS code 701810 — Glass; beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use 7018.10 for beads already made into a necklace?
No. Once beads are assembled into a finished article of jewelry with a clasp or permanent stringing, they are classified under HS code 7117 as imitation jewelry.
Which countries are the top exporters of glass beads (HS 701810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701810 (the code used for glass beads) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 80% of world exports), Czechia ($91M) and Hong Kong ($29M). World exports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of glass beads (HS 701810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701810 (the code used for glass beads) in UN Comtrade data were India ($119M, 14% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $117M) and the United States ($66M). World imports came to about $849M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Glass beads the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701810 for Glass beads is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for glass beads in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 701810 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for glass beads depends on the product's details: 7018.10.10 (Glass beads), 7018.10.20 (Glass imitation pearls and gemstones), 7018.10.90 (Other similar glass smallwares).